Students consider the significance of selected American documents. In this civics lesson, students analyze excerpts of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.

Students create their own opinion polls about local policy issues. They evaluate how anonymity may affect responses. In groups, students experience the process of developing polls, focusing on student-related topics. Students must...

Pupils explore the meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance. In this civics lesson, students examine the document, define related vocabulary words, and rewrite it in their words.

Young scholars consider what it means to be politically involved. For this civics lesson, students discuss voting as a privilege or right. Young scholars also discuss how they may be able to effect social change through political...

Students view video clips to define service learning. In this civics lesson, students read quotes, take a survey, and define altruism. Students view video clips and evaluate the motivation and impact of those who perform community...

Learners study citizenship and what it means to be a good sitizen. They create their own country and determine its citizenship rules. They work together to create a visual representation of what makes a good citizen.

Students explore system of voluntary compliance, and describe taxpayers' responsibilities related to filing a tax return.

Address both social studies and critical reading skills with a resource dedicated to the voting process, the American democracy, and the ability to evaluate information in order to develop a stance on an issue. Each themed activity...

How did Ku Klux Klan develop and flourish in the US? How did the government respond to acts of terrorism conducted by the KKK following the Civil War? How does the government respond to acts of terrorism today? This resource...

Can the federal government override the state government to protect the citizens of the United States? The 1962 Supreme Court case Baker v. Carr outlines the issue of equal protection under the law. Scholars investigate with a short...

Have you ever played the game Monopoly? Do you know what it takes to win the game correctly? Scholars research the nature of outlawing monopolies in the United States while controlling trade. They investigate the court case Gibbons v....

Middle schoolers explore the concept of civic virtue in a democratic state. In this democracy instructional activity, students listen to John F. Kennedy's inaugural speech, read selections on democracy, and discuss the importance of...

Ninth graders explore different faith traditions.  In this US History lesson, 9th graders compare and contrast different religions.  Students evaluate the relevancy of the civic behavior as described by religious leaders. 

Learners explore how communities participate in census counting. In this census lesson, students recognize the absolute and relative location of a state and understand ideas about civic life and government.

Young scholars explore the responsibilities of the President. In this U.S. government instructional activity, students examine the provided sources related to the President' s roles as Chief of State, Chief Executive, Chief Jurist, Chief...

Students begin the lesson by defining what a citizen is in today's society. In groups, they brainstorm a list of qualities and responsibilites a good citizen should have. They also develop and give a survey that measures the amount of...

Should a criminal's punishment match the crime? An argumentative writing plan explores this question as class members investigate a variety of mixed-medium sources by experts in the field, form evidence-based claims, and support them...

Students discuss the connections between their lives and the government. In groups, they examine the roles that governments have in different societies throughout the world. They role-play the roles of County members in providing...

Develop an understanding of how the media and society are connected and responsible for the defense of universal human rights. Learners investigate and examine the conflicts of police brutality as it is portrayed in the media and through...

Students explore the value in helping others.  In this ethics lesson, students use videos, worksheets, Internet articles and group discussion to develop a personal perspective on what it means to help others.

Young scholars read essays and participate in a discussion that examines Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s stance on both civil rights and the broader issue of human rights. They conduct research about King's life and work, analyze quotes...

Students explore community crisis and how to work together to improve a community. In this community stability lesson plan ,students explore how communities work together to solve problems and provide security. Students research news...

Students explore the rights and the responsibilities of voting. Knowing about the candidates, the election process, and the monitoring of the running of the system is the focus of this lesson.

"If you don't vote - you don't count." That's the big idea in this resource about voting and participation in the democratic process. The three included activities focus students on being informed voters, practicing voting for their...